Kamil Struś
Ornis Polonica 2023, 64: 17–30
https://doi.org/10.12657/ornis.2023.1.2
Abstract: In years 2001–2022, survey of raptor autumn migration was conducted in the Western Sudetes, comprising 203 counts (677 h of observation) on the Mysłowska Pass in the Kaczawskie Mountains. In total, there were 9 659 migrating individuals recorded, on average 14.3 ind./h. Maximum daily number was in the range of 101–703 ind. Two most numerous species were the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo (79.7 % of the total number) and the Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (10.7%). The only species close to 3% threshold was the Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus (2.8%). The other species were less frequently observed, apart from the Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (1.3%) and the Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus (1.3%), and did not exceed 1% of the community. Main passage occurred from the last decade of September until mid-November, with peak abundance between 10th and 30th of October. The highest recorded daily numbers were 758 ind., 703 ind., 404 ind., 351 ind. and 327 ind. The observed birds migrated mainly alone or in small groups of few individuals. The highest recorded abundance of the Common Buzzard amounted to 100 ind. Intensity of birds of prey migration in the Kaczawskie Mountains was higher compared to other Western Sudetes ranges and the Carpathians. It may stem from the fact that the local migration routes are shaped by terrain relief and system of main migration flyways in Central and Eastern Europe.
Keywords: birds of prey, Carpathians, migration, Poland, Sudetes
